Here is an uncomfortable truth: “Every married person abuses his or her spouse.”
Most will be quickly to deny it. 
But it is actually true.
Most of these abuses are very small, I agree. But ignoring even the smallest of abuses is what can lead to big trouble.
Think about it.
A harsh word. A criticism veiled as a “funny” tease. These are the seedlings of verbal abuse.
The cold shoulder. Withholding a smile or a look of affection. Even benign neglect. These are the seedlings of emotional abuse. In these examples, the emotional abuse is in the form of rejection.
Remember, every person wants to feel loved. Just as you want to feel treasured, honored, respected, admired, and cherished by your spouse, he or she wants the same from you.
The Seedlings of Emotional and Verbal Abuse
At least in some small way, any rejection or put down of the person you promised to love as much as you love yourself is an abuse of that loved one. It is a betrayal of your vow to stand by, protect, support, encourage, and love your spouse.
But you may complain, such a broad definition of spouse abuse sets an impossibly high standard.
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